The jury in the sexual assault trial of House of Cards actor Kevin Spacy began deliberation today, July 24.
Spacey faces eight counts in this trial, including indecent assault, sexual assault, and “causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity.” The charges were brought by four men, who allege that the crimes happened between 2001 and 2013.
Spacey is pleading not guilty, but over the five weeks of trial he has acknowledged that he is a “big flirt” who made a “clumsy pass” at one of his accusers. He also expressed sadness and surprise that one would “stab [him] in the back” years later.
Last year, Spacey was found not liable in a civil lawsuit brought against him by Rent actor Anthony Rapp, who claimed that Spacey allegedly made unwanted advances on him in 1986, when Rapp was 14 and Spacey was 26. Rapp’s case inspired the four other men to press charges against Spacey in the United Kingdom, where he mainly resides.
Elton John and his husband David Furnish were called for the defense during the trial, testifying that Spacey only attended their gala ball in 2001 and not the year when one of the accusers said he was groped by Spacey there.
The prosecution finished their evidence walk through this morning before the jury was sent to deliberate. There is no telling how long it might take them to reach a verdict, but if they find Spacey guilty on all counts, he could potentially spend the rest of his life in prison.
Leave a Comment